Caring for Your Dracaena: Fixing Brown Leaf Edges

Your "jungle-like" plant with stiff, fan-like stalks and long thin leaves is almost certainly a Dracaena (likely D. marginata or D. fragrans). Brown edges are classic.

Top Causes & Fixes

• Low humidity: Mist daily, use a pebble tray, or group plants. Trim brown tips with sharp scissors following leaf shape.
• Fertilizer burn: New nursery plants often have slow-release pellets. Don't fertilize for 1-2 months. Flush soil with water to leach excess salts.
• Water quality: Avoid softened water; use filtered or distilled.
• Inconsistent watering: Let top 1-2 inches dry between thorough waterings. Don't let sit in drainage water.

Ideal Conditions

• Bright, indirect light (east/west window).
• 65-75°F, away from drafts.
• Pot-bound is fine; repot only when roots circle densely.

Trim damaged edges now—they won't heal. New growth will be clean if conditions improve.